Muscovy Ducks

[kaffee]

NEWBIE DUCK OWNER ! I have just aquired two muscovy ducks ~ what is the best housing for them ? I have a pond but will need to fence off from predetors or is it best to keep them in a run ? I also have 6 incubating Bali runner ducks can they all share the same space ?

 

[Gray Farms]

Muscovys can fly very well and prefer to roost rather than setting the ground. If you worried about predators you'll want a secure, covered run.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I converted a playhouse for my muscovies. But, like any other duck - a simple 4 walled structure that keeps them safe and offers 4sq ft per duck.
All of your ducks can be housed together. Muscovies like to roost, but I currently do not have a roost in their house. I am planning on adding one though. I have stumps and such in their run and they enjoy sitting on those.

 

[kaffee]

Thank you for your replies ! have any of you used a lowish electric fence for ducks ? the pond area has trees so it would be impossible to have a high fence.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

You would want to protect from predators. Do you have a way to do so? I use an electric fence for my run, but to keep the predators from coming in. Or is that what you mean?
My run is made of cattle panel with an outer layer of welded wire. It is about 4' high. Then I have an aviary net over the top to keep hawks and such out. Plus the use of electric wire around the bottom. It is not 100% predator proof as snakes, weasels, etc could get in. While we do have weasels in this area we are not close to their habitat. As for snakes, we really wouldn't have to worry about those either as I hear muscovy will kill them.
If you have photos of your area, that would help. Also, the coop and run forum has loads of ideas to predator proof an area.